Flash floods sweep through Nepal, prompting evacuations
KATHMANDU, Nepal — Residents along the Budhi Gandaki River in north-central Nepal evacuated on Sunday as flash flooding destroyed homes and other structures in the area, reports BritPanorama.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority evacuated villagers and warned others to move to safer areas while remaining on alert until late Sunday.
At least five people are reported missing thus far. The flooding has also damaged or destroyed four bridges, swept away approximately three dozen houses, and impacted the construction site of a hydropower plant.
Additionally, several power and communication towers were damaged along the riverside. Nepal’s army stated it is continuing rescue efforts using helicopters and ground troops, having rescued 49 people by Sunday afternoon.
The flash flood was caused by a landslide that initially blocked the Budhi Gandaki River near the village of Chumchure. The dam formed by the landslide breached, triggering the flood.
The Budhi Gandaki River merges into the Trishuli River and serves as a key waterway near the capital, Kathmandu.
Videos on social media depict houses and sheds being swept away by the swollen river amid the towering mountains. It remains unclear how many small villages in the mountainous area were affected. Government warnings prompted evacuations in Arughat, a riverside town located on the highway connecting Kathmandu to other parts of the country.
Nepal is still recovering from a devastating flood in August along the mountainous Nepal-China border that led to more than 1,400 deaths and thousands more missing.
The office of Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on Monday the end of search-and-rescue operations for additional victims, shifting focus to recovery efforts, including the restoration of roads and bridges cut off by floods, especially in remote areas where damaged infrastructure has complicated aid deliveries.
The government estimates the rebuilding effort will cost $4.77 billion. Nearly 33,000 people have been affected, and about 7,500 homes were damaged or destroyed.
